The wafer has fixed metal contacts on it. The part that mates with the wafer has springy metal contacts, and those wear out. This is one of the major problems with the Lightning port — the springy parts are in the port, not on the cable.
Lightning also appears to have severe problems with arcing.
Re:Ever Plugged a USB in Wrong? (2019)
by SAI_Peregrinus on Tuesday January 14, 2020 @01:26PM
(#22047718)
> Lightning also appears to have severe problems with arcing.
Well, it IS "Lightning"...
I have never seen or even heard of the spring contacts in the lightning port failing. The biggest issue I've ever seen is lint ingress preventing good contact/locking, which can be cleaned out.
I can't speak to arcing problems.
I’ve seen attempts to clean the contacts damage them because they’re springy. I’ve also just seen them get deformed enough that they stop making good contact.
I see! That makes perfect sense, thanks for replying. I had to search about the arcing problems you mentioned, and I now have an explanation for the blackened pins on my older cable!
Do you know what the reasoning behind this decision was?